Mixed-Use Urban Development: Roelevard Complex by B2Ai + Snøhetta Revitalizes Roeselare

Transforming a Historic Railway District

The Roelevard Complex, designed by B2Ai in collaboration with Snøhetta, is a groundbreaking example of mixed-use urban development in Roeselare, Belgium. Located in the city’s historic railway district, the project reconnects neighborhoods once divided by train tracks, weaving them back into a cohesive urban fabric. Positioned next to Roeselare Central Station, Roelevard creates a vibrant hub where people can live, work, and socialize, while reinforcing the city’s identity as a dynamic and livable urban center.

A Cohesive Urban Solution

Spanning 17,500 m², the complex brings together residential, office, and retail functions with integrated underground parking and ample bicycle storage. The development offers 81 modern apartments, 6,000 m² of office space, and 650 m² of retail areas that extend the city’s shopping street all the way to the station. This blend of functions ensures that Roelevard remains active throughout the day, catering to both locals and visitors.

Designed for Context and Community

The architecture responds to its urban surroundings with thoughtful massing and varied building heights. The southern block, adjacent to the station, rises to 12 stories, forming a distinctive landmark, while the northern block steps down to four stories to harmonize with the neighboring residential areas. Facades adapt to function—transparent at street level for retail, uniform for offices, and textured with terraces for residential spaces—encouraging interaction and community.

Public Spaces that Invite Connection

Central to Roelevard’s vision is the creation of welcoming public spaces. An amphitheater provides a venue for gatherings and events, with the potential for a second-floor café overlooking the city center. Tree-shaded seating areas encourage relaxation, while the 46-meter tower acts as a new focal point for the neighborhood. Planted terraces and a 2,141 m² green roof enhance the complex’s ecological value, creating a layered, stepped silhouette.

Sustainability as a Design Principle

Roelevard sets new environmental standards for mixed-use urban development. Connected to the MIROM district heating network, it runs entirely without fossil fuels under normal operation, utilizing renewable sources like biomass and waste heat. The project’s energy-efficient systems, green roofs, and commitment to sustainable materials demonstrate how urban growth can align with ecological responsibility.

A Model for the Future of Cities

More than an architectural project, Roelevard is a social and environmental statement. By reuniting divided neighborhoods, introducing new public spaces, and embracing sustainable infrastructure, B2Ai and Snøhetta have created a model for future mixed-use urban development—one that prioritizes connectivity, livability, and environmental stewardship.

All photographs are works of Philippe van Gelooven